Quality Lab Technician - Ingredient Plant

Quality Lab Technician

Quality Lab Technician is a detail-oriented role within our aseptic dairy manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for conducting laboratory testing, data collection, and analysis on raw materials, ingredients, and finished products to ensure compliance with New York State Ag & Markets, FDA, USDA, and GMP regulations. The technician will also support remote quality assurance (QA) activities at Raw Milk Intake and contribute to special projects as needed.

All tasks must be performed safely and in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).

Key responsibilities include preparing, collecting, and analyzing in-process and finished product samples, ensuring state certification for sampling is maintained; performing analytical testing using instrumental and wet chemistry procedures; verifying quality and package integrity of outbound finished goods; accurately entering and reporting data using established reporting procedures and documentation platforms; supporting operations and logistics as part of the QA function; completing traceability and tracking documentation, including reports and exception logs;

maintaining cleanliness and calibration of laboratory instruments and equipment; conducting microbiological analysis on finished products, raw ingredients, ATP swabs, and environmental samples; collecting, storing, and maintaining microbiological and shelf-life samples; inspecting production lines to ensure adherence to quality and packaging standards; generating and managing quality control (QC) documentation and reports; investigating historical data and providing analytical insights as needed; collaborating with engineering, production, and sanitation teams to troubleshoot quality issues;

effectively communicating technical and analytical data using reports, charts, and graphs; prioritizing assignments and independently managing time to meet business needs; initiating and documenting corrective actions when quality deviations occur; placing raw materials and finished products on hold as necessary and managing related exception reporting; overseeing sorting and disposition of held product as needed; monitoring and supporting quality checks performed by production personnel;

setting up analytical equipment and performing daily calibrations; preparing standard solutions and reagents following safety protocols; ensuring compliance with chemical handling and laboratory safety procedures; maintaining laboratory and remote work areas in a clean and organized condition following GMP standards; assisting processing and production personnel as needed; and ensuring compliance with company policies, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree or higher in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Engineering preferred; strong knowledge and experience in lab testing programs, regulatory compliance, food safety, labeling requirements, and dairy processing standards; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows-based software; familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and techniques;

ability to analyze technical records and communicate findings clearly; capability to work independently and within a team with minimal supervision; ability to detect color changes in chemical testing and perform sensory evaluations of dairy products (must not have dairy allergies); physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs and work 12-hour shifts or other schedules as business needs require, including overtime;

certification on the training plan for this position within six months of hire; experience with standard lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, spectrophotometers) preferred; knowledge of advanced analytical techniques (e.g., GC, HPLC) is a plus; familiarity with GMP, FDA, SQF, and other regulatory requirements is beneficial; and reliable transportation to and from the facility for scheduled shifts.

Working conditions include majority of…